Johan Otterdahl’s Journey from Music to Moments

In today’s episode I speak with, Swedish musician and photographer Johan Otterdahl who discusses his unique approach to photography, which includes using one camera and lens for an entire year. Our rambling conversation spans a range of topics, from his upcoming trip to photograph an eclipse in Finnmark, Norway in September, to his artistic background in music and how it parallels with his photography style, emphasizing diversity, improvisation, and the importance of evolving artistically. Johan also shares insights into the challenges of making a living in creative fields, the significance of engaging with subjects, especially in street photography, and the impact of modern technology like the Instax printer on his work.

Our conversation extends to broader photography practices within the Ocoloy collective, focusing on the creative benefits of limiting oneself to specific equipment to foster growth and creativity. Discussions include technical preferences, such as the Fuji X-E1 and X100 series cameras, and the mental health benefits of photography.

Johan highlights the influence of Swedish photographer Anders Petersen had on modern street photography. Petersen is known for his documentation of Hamburg’s red light district in the sixties. His work is currently exhibited at the Hasselblad Foundation in Gothenburg.

We also discuss the process of printing photographs for galleries, the utility of website platforms like Squarespace for showcasing work, and the importance of receiving feedback on creative content.

Before we wrap up by making reference to other notable photographers such as Gerard Exupery and Greg Girard, discussions about upcoming projects, song recommendations, and website updates, and the interconnectedness of the creative process across different mediums and the continuous search for unique perspectives and moments in photography.

• Johan’s Website
• The Ocoloy Collective
• Anders Petersen
• Greg Girard